As someone in their mid-50s, I welcome the opportunity to have a choice to work as long as I can. But what are the consequences for young people struggling to find work?
We already live in a segregated society when it comes to mixing across the age ranges. Many older people don’t understand the younger generation and the young have many misperceptions about older people. Young people may perceive older people to be "blocking" potential job opportunities, thereby deepening the rift between young and old.
Almost a million 16- to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (Neet) are unable to integrate with the workforce. Young people who are Neet not only face long-term unemployment but also reduced facilities due to spending cuts hitting youth services across the country. Is there any wonder that these young people may feel that allowing older people to remain in employment past the age of 65 will quash any chances they might have of gaining employment? This in turn could sour relationships between the generations.
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